We’re only nine games into the season, but this weekend we have what you might consider to be the first big series of the season: Braves vs. Nationals at Nats Park.

Atlanta is 8-1, their best start since winning 13 of 14 to begin the 1994 season. It’s hard to get a true gauge on them seeing as their last six games came against the lowly Marlins and Cubs, but they’re certainly hot. The Nationals, most experts’ pick to win the NL East, are fresh off a sweep of the White Sox and stand at 7-2. They’ve won all six of their home games so far this year.

Of note: Rafael Soriano is likely unavailable to close tonight since he’s pitched in the last three games. In his place will be Drew Storen. So I guess you can say advantage Atlanta, at least for this evening.

It’s too early to worry about the standings and stuff. But it’ll be great fun to see the first round of what should be a season-long dogfight for the NL East.

Advantage to the Braves because Soriano is unavailable? No mention that Detwiler pitched really well vs and elite Reds team and Tehran got roughed up by the Cubs. Maybe im nitpicking but its silly to say the Braves have a leg up in DC

Ladies and gentlemen, this series is going to be nothing short of war. Both teams spent the entire off-season making sure they win this series. Obviously I don’t mean the one starting tonight but the one likely to begin in about 151 games. This is the proverbial tone setter. This is a fall classic in April.

Justin Upton has to be the best free agent signing in franchise history. Dude is clutch (and was robbed of his 7th HR of the season by the umps). Now if only his outfield mates would get their sh*t together….